Living Savior Lutheran Church
4616 Gharrett St  Missoula, MT 59803
livingsaviormissoula.org  406.543.8222
Pastor Justin Cloute  pastor@livingsaviormissoula.org
December 24, 2015
Christmas Eve
Welcome! We are glad that you have joined us to remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus.
We pray that the Lord bless you through his Word in your time with us this evening.
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Cell Phones Please remember to turn off your cell phone ringer before worship and
refrain from flash photography out of respect for other worshippers.
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Restrooms Follow sign in the back of the entryway, or just ask someone.
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Parents We are so thankful you have joined us this evening
and know that at times it can be difficult with little ones. We
enjoy hearing children in worship. However, if you feel like
they (or you) need a break there is a small nursery room in
the back of the sanctuary (out the doors, turn right) with an
audio feed of the service.
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Gift bags for children will be distributed after worship.
Please be sure to pick one up on your way out of the
building.
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My Son, My Savior DVD If you have not yet received a DVD
about the birth of Jesus from Mary’s perspective, we would like
to give you one this evening.
THEME FOR TODAY’S SERVICE
DID YOU KNOW?
As we listen to the story of Jesus’ birth, we will hear about some things that perhaps you did not
know about Jesus’ birth. We marvel at God’s love and mercy in the gift of his Son.
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PROCESSIONAL HYMN
Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful | 55
1 Oh, come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant,
Oh, come ye, oh, come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold him, Born the King of angels.
Refrain:
Oh, come, let us adore him, Oh, come, let us adore him,
Oh, come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.
2 God from true God, and Light from Light eternal,
Born of a virgin, to earth he comes,
Only begotten Son of God the Father.
Refrain
3 Sing, choirs of angels, Sing in exultation;
Sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above.
Glory to God, all Glory in the highest.
Refrain
4 Yea, Lord, we greet thee, Born this happy morning;
Jesus, to thee be all glory giv’n,
Word of the Father, Now in flesh appearing.
Refrain
INTRODUCTION – Pastor
Pastor: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
All:
Amen
Part 1: The Prophecies Foretold Jesus’ Birth
NARRATION – Vicar
RECITATION – Grades 6-8
Isaiah 7:14
14 The
Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give
birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
NARRATION – Donavon
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HYMN
Joy has Dawned
Verse 1 – Soloist
Verses 2-5 - All
Soloist:
All:
2
Sounds of wonder fill the sky With the songs of angels
As the mighty Prince of Life Shelters in a stable.
Hands that set each star in place, Shaped the earth in darkness,
Cling now to a mother’s breast, vuln’rable and helpless.
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Shepherds bow before the Lamb, Gazing at the glory;
Gifts of men from distant lands Prophesy the story.
God – a King is born today, Incense – God is with us,
Myrrh – His death will make a way, By his blood He’ll win us
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Son of Adam, Son of heav’n, Given as a ransom;
Reconciling God and man, Christ, our mighty champion!
What a Savior! What a Friend! What a glorious myst’ry
Once a babe in Bethlehem, Now the Lord of hist’ry.
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What a Savior! What a Friend! What a glorious myst’ry
Once a babe in Bethlehem, Now the Lord of hist’ry.
Once a babe in Bethlehem, Now the Lord of hist’ry.
Christ, the Lord of hist’ry.
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Part 2: The Birth of Jesus
NARRATION – Claire
RECITATION – Grades 3-5
Luke 2:1-5
1 In
those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the
entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor
of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to his own town to register.
4 So
Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the
town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to
register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.
NARRATION – Claire
RECITATION – Children
Luke 2:6,7
6 While
they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her
firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was
no room for them in the inn.
NARRATION – Sophie
SONG – Children
Away in a Manger | 68
1 Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
3 Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask you to stay
Close by me forever and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in your tender care,
And take us to heaven to live with you there.
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Part 3: The Shepherds Hear about the Birth of Jesus
NARRATION – Matthew
RECITATION – Grades 6-8
Luke 2:8-10a
8 And
there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at
night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them,
and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them,
RECITATION – Preschool
Luke 2:10b-12
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today
12 This will be a
in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
RECITATION – Grades 6-8
Luke 2:13-14
13 Suddenly
a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and
saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
SONG – Preschool
Glory, Glory
NARRATION – Sophie
Luke 2:15-18
SONG – Girls’ Choir
Were You There?
CHRISTMAS MESSAGE – Pastor
Luke 2:19-20
A Godly Response to Christmas
19 Mary
treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds
returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were
just as they had been told.
HYMN
What Child is This | 67
1
What child is this who laid to rest,
On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
while shepherds watch is keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing.
Haste, Haste to bring him laud, the babe, the Son of Mary!
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2 Why lies he in such mean estate
Where oxen now are feeding?
Good Christians, fear; For sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce him through;
the cross he’ll bear for me, for you.
Hail, hail the Word made flesh, the babe, the Son of Mary!
3 So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh;
Come, peasant, king, to own him.
The King of kings salvation brings;
Let loving hearts enthrone him.
Raise, raise the song on high;
the virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy, for Christ is born, the Babe, the Son of Mary!
Part 4: The Wise Men Are Led to the Savior
NARRATION – Sarah
SONG – Children and Choir
I Am so Glad Each Christmas Eve
I am so glad each Christmas Eve, the night of Jesus’ birth!
Then like the sun the star shone forth and angels ang on earth.
The little child in Bethlehem, he was a king indeed!
For he came down from heav’n above to help a world in need.
He dwells again in heaven’s realm, the son of God today
And still he loves his little ones and hears them when they pray.
I am so glad on Christmas Eve! His praises then I sing;
He opens up for ev’ry child the palace of the King.
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Part 5: The Good news of Jesus Is for All
NARRATION – Tristan
RECITATION – Children
Matthew 28:19
19 Go
and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the
Son and of the Holy Spirit.
SONG – Preschool
God so Loved the World
NARRATION – Vicar
HYMN
Peace Came to Earth | 707
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GATHERING OF OFFERING
The offerings given support the ministry of Living Savior here in Missoula and Gospel work
around the globe.
OFFERING MUSIC
Mary Did You Know
Played by Ethan Cloute
THE CANDLE LIGHTING
After the offering is gathered the ushers will light the candle of the
person sitting nearest the aisle. The light is passed along as each
person in the row tips an unlighted candle toward a lighted one. The
lighting of candles symbolizes the coming of Christ as the Light of
the world. The passing of the flame symbolizes how we share the
peace of Christmas with one another.
Please be careful and help children with their candle!
PRAYER
LORD’S PRAYER
All: Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom
and the power and the glory
forever and ever. Amen.
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BLESSING
Pastor: Brothers and sisters, go in peace. Live in harmony with one another. Serve the
Lord with gladness.
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.
The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace.
All:
Amen.
HYMN
Silent Night! Holy Night | 60
1 Silent night! Holy night!
All is calm, all is bright,
Round yon virgin mother and child.
Holy Infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.
2 Silent night! Holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream from heaven afar;
Heav’nly hosts sing, Alleluia;
Christ, the Savior, is born!
Christ, the Savior, is born!
3 Silent night! Holy night!
Son of God, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth,
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.
Carefully blow out the candles
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NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
SPECIAL THANKS
To all those who used their gifts and talents to make our Christmas celebrations so special.
CHRISTMAS DAY WORSHIP
|10am
You are welcome to join us again tomorrow morning as we focus on the meaning of Christ’s
Incarnation for us, or on Sundays at 10am.
INTRODUCTION TO THE BIBLE – GROWING IN HOPE
Starts in January
This class is designed for those who are interested in studying the Bible for the first time, or who
would like a refresher. The goal is to help you grow closer to Jesus by listening to his Word and
Promises. This class also serves as our membership class and is based on the Gospel of John.
Call (543-8222) or email (cloutejr@hotmail.com) Pastor Cloute for more info.
LIVING SAVIOR ONLINE
Like our Facebook page for recent photos and upcoming events. And check out
livingsaviormissoula.org for more about us and to stream past sermons. If you’d like to receive
our weekly email update with a short devotion and news, email pastor@livingsaviormissoula.org
with the subject line: “sign me up.”
Music
Joy has Dawned – Keith Getty and Stuart Townsend, Gettymusic 2004
Glory, Glory & What I Like Best – Heartbinder Productions, praiseinmotion.net
Were You There on That Christmas Night? – Natalie Sleeth, Hope Publishing 2012
I Am So Glad Each Christmas Eve – Marty Haugan, GIA Publications 1992
Mary Did You Know? - Mark Lowry and Buddy Green, Word Music 1991
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Living Savior is a place where you can find hope through the message of Jesus Christ. We don’t pretend to
be perfect, and neither should you. The good news is that Jesus came to save sinners. He came for people
like you and me, so that we could have peace with God and joy now and forever. This is what we are all
about!
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